A bill passed by the Issaquah city council last June to ban the use of single-use plastic bags goes into effect March 1.

Similar to ordinances in Seattle, Bellingham, Bainbridge Island, Edmonds and Mukilteo, retailers will offer recyclable paper bags at a cost of 5 cents.

Families receiving benefits from programs such as Women, Infants and Children, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families support programs, or the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or the Washington State Food Assistance Program do not have to pay the 5 cents.

Additionally, residents can pick up a free reusable bag (while supplies last) at the Issaquah CleanScapes store, located at 317 N.W. Gilman Blvd.

Some plastic bags will still be allowed, including thicker, more durable check-out bags, or those used for produce/meat, bulk foods, small hardware items, newspapers, dry cleaning, door hangars and take-out food.

Businesses with a building square footage of 7,500 square feet or larger have to comply immediately, but they are allowed to use up stock of remaining plastic bags. All other retail establishments have until March 1, 2014, to comply, but can start sooner and charge the 5 cent fee for paper.